As we age, the risk of developing various heart conditions can increase. A heart-healthy diet is necessary, but individuals should also exercise regularly. For instance, combining aerobic and resistance exercises can help you maintain good health and fitness. Additionally, the benefits of regular exercise extend beyond preventing cardiovascular disease. Frequent exercise can reduce disease progression and improve outcomes in those with cardiovascular disease.
Every patient’s needs are unique, and those of all ages can benefit from regular exercise. Physical activity can also help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, exercise can make it easier to accomplish daily tasks such as shopping or climbing stairs. Older patients who struggle with heart-related health issues may require an individual approach of geriatric cardiology. Geriatric cardiology services focus on adjusting treatments to optimize safety and support a multidisciplinary approach.
Exercise and Age
Exercise has benefits at any age and can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and falls. Children ages 6 to 17 should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Children are naturally active, especially in environments with structured play, such as recess. Many children get physical activity through walking, running, or playing a sport.
Adults should gradually increase their activity level. Each week, adults should do aerobic activity. For even more benefits, adults can do different exercises, such as muscle strengthening. Those aged 65 and older should include walking in their routine, as it carries a low risk of injury. Additionally, exercise can provide health benefits.
Benefits of Exercise
According to the National Library of Medicine, exercise training benefits people across age groups, including older adults, some of whom may be prone to physical inactivity, frailty, deconditioning, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that exercise offers many benefits. Some of the benefits include the following:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Lowering the risk for disease including coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
- Improving lung function
- Strengthening the heart muscle
- Improving the heart’s ability to pump blood to the lungs and throughout the body
- Widening of capillaries, allowing them to deliver more oxygen to the body
More specifically, exercise can benefit older adults in several ways:
- Lowering the risk for depression
- Lowering the risk of declining cognitive function
- Improving sleep quality
- Reducing feelings of anxiety
- Lowering blood pressure
- Decreasing cardiovascular mortality
- Improving balance and walking
The above benefits can improve an individual’s overall health and lifestyle.
Risk Factors
Physical activity can reduce coronary heart disease risk factors. With regular exercise, less plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries that supply oxygen to the heart muscle. Risk factors for the disease include:
- Age
- Family history
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- High triglycerides
- Obesity
- High blood sugar levels
- High insulin levels
- Inflammation
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
If you struggle with any of the above health issues, consider making lifestyle changes. By adding healthy foods and exercise to your daily routine, you can reduce your risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
Find Treatment
At United Heart Institute, we can provide helpful information for those struggling with cardiovascular disease. If you’re looking for information on appropriate exercises, we can provide that as well. Whether you are young or elderly, consider finding treatment for your heart condition today. We can recommend specific exercises but we alsoand provide treatment tailored to your needs.
Contact our heart health clinic today to learn more about your treatment options. Our professionals will review your medical history and recommend appropriate exercises.
